Isaiah Crawford, a 6-foot-6 forward, has recently signed a two-way contract with the Houston Rockets. This move comes after an impressive season in the G League, where he played for the Stockton Kings. In 24 regular-season games, Crawford averaged 13.3 points, shooting 50.2% from the field and 44.2% from three-point range. His performance also included 5.7 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.1 blocks per game, demonstrating his all-around skills on the court.
Crawford went undrafted in 2024 after his college career at Louisiana Tech, but his talent caught the attention of the Rockets. Alongside guard JD Davison, who was named G League MVP last season, Crawford will have the opportunity to develop further with Houston. Both players are expected to participate in the upcoming training camp, which begins around October 1.
The Rockets currently have three players occupying their two-way slots, allowing them to move between the NBA team and the G League affiliate, the Rio Grande Valley Vipers. This setup provides Crawford with a valuable chance to gain experience and showcase his abilities at the professional level.
Despite his recent success, Crawford has had limited exposure in the NBA, but his strong G League performance indicates he could be a significant contributor for the Rockets moving forward. As the team navigates its roster decisions, Crawford's development will be closely monitored as he aims to secure a more permanent role in the NBA.
With the Rockets facing financial constraints regarding standard contracts, Crawford's two-way deal is a strategic move that allows the team to maximize its roster flexibility while nurturing young talent. As the season approaches, fans will be eager to see how Crawford's skills translate to the NBA stage.